Cities & Towns · Hokkaido
Higashi Ward, Sapporo Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Higashi Ward, Sapporo, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Higashi Ward, Sapporo had its latest close call on October 19, 2025 at Okadamacho, where a witness said a roughly 1 meter long black animal thought to be a brown bear came in during late night garbage disposal. Just two days earlier, on October 17, 2025, another bear like animal of about 1 meter was seen in Okadama, showing that the edge of town is still active.
The strongest cluster has been around Okadamacho and Nakano sawa, with additional reports in Higashi garaimachi, Kita 19 jo Higashi 10 chome, Shinonome 4 jo 1 chome, and Kita 31 jo Higashi 14 chome. Activity peaked in June 2021 with 6 reports, while October 2025 had 2 and April 2022 had 3; across 17 brown bear sightings in all, the pattern stays centered on the ward's residential and roadside edges.
Higashi Ward, Sapporo Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Places in Hokkaido
Comments (1)
丘珠町が相当目立つな、この2年だけで3回も出てる。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Higashi Ward, Sapporo
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Higashi Ward, Sapporo?
Higashi Ward, Sapporo has 17 recorded bear incidents in total, but no activity has been reported in the last 30 days. Bear activity varies seasonally, so always check the latest status before hiking or spending time outdoors.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Higashi Ward, Sapporo?
The most recent bear sighting in Higashi Ward, Sapporo was on October 18, 2025 in Okadamacho, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Higashi Ward, Sapporo?
Recent bear sightings in Higashi Ward, Sapporo have been concentrated in Sapporo Nakanumacho (2), Okadamacho, Higashi Ward, Sapporo (1), Okadama, Higashi Ward, Sapporo (1). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Higashi Ward, Sapporo?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Higashi Ward, Sapporo?
Higashi Ward, Sapporo is home to brown bears (Ussuri brown bear), which can weigh up to 500kg and are found only in Hokkaido. They are active from spring through autumn. Always carry bear bells and bear spray when hiking.